I LOVE your essay, I feel every word you said except I AM Jewish! And my heart is in Israel, the rest of me will return in April for a month of travel, visiting friends and family, and volunteering. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
I really didn't know what to expect when I landed in the Negev many years ago. I had always had a yearning to visit Israel and here I was at last.I have never been particularly religious but as,I stepped off the plane I felt a profound sense of,I'm still not sure how to describe it. Peace? Stillness? Joy? If just being. Wholeness. This was my place.I have never felt this before or since and my only regret is not going back.
My love is with the Jewish people and their beautiful homeland. You will prevail.
I can't wait till I visit Israel this year. The one fear I have is with the heart surgery net week I might miss the opportunity to visit Israel, the Holy Land and all the wonderful people that persevere!
You beautifully expressed what so many of us feel. I also am not Jewish. I don't speak Hebrew. I have never been to the Land, and at my age and income level, there is little probability that I will ever do so.
But, I love what, and who, HaShem loves, and I have a few friends living in Israel. Over the years I have watched children attend school, serve in the IDF, marry, have children of their own. Perhaps I am a goy, a gershom, but I will always hold those whom HaShem cherishes as dear to me!
This essay by Liv Layne and your reply, Steve, totally echoes my heart for Israel and its people - whether they are in Israel itself or in the diaspora. I lived (during my mid-teens until early twenties) in a small town in central New Jersey and visited New York City often. My high school was predominantly Jewish, both in students and faculty. This is where I began to understand and love everything about Israel and the Jewish people.
I’m not Jewish but I know the feeling of belonging somewhere. My roots are Swiss and I feel it there. I’ve been to Israel 2x now and already feel deeply invested in its people, history and culture. My kids love it too. A fabulous oasis in a barren desert. Loved your passion about this amazing country!
How beautiful. Just wonderful to hear your experiences and how you're processing all these experiences both in and outside of Israel. חזק ואמץ. בהצלחה!
This is me. I am a Maltese 58 year old woman, married to an Italian-Persian doctor, convert to Christianity over 40 years ago. We are both non-Jews, but we both love Israel. I describe myself this way: I am not Jewish by birth but I am Jewish by spirit and a proud Zionist by DNA. Btw I am also learning Hebrew, and I attend Jewish events such as Hannukah and Holocaust Remembrance Memorial on yearly basis.
A compelling essay, written from the heart and the senses. Facts and logic don't count in this scenario. No Jewish person could have penned a better piece on loving Israel. Your candour, the essence of your own personal truth, and your courage to share it, shine strong as Jerusalem stone, and I enjoyed so much reading this. Thank you,
THANK YOU for saying everything I feel about Israel - and I AM Jewish. It is the most mystical, magical, beautiful place I have ever been. I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco - cuz it's in Tel Aviv.
I LOVE your essay, I feel every word you said except I AM Jewish! And my heart is in Israel, the rest of me will return in April for a month of travel, visiting friends and family, and volunteering. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
Agreed!
You might be interested in this article I published today. If so, please, like and restack.
https://substack.com/@rebeccarbibbs/note/p-187864150?r=5dsiiv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
I hope you have a beautiful trip, Sheila! I’m sure you will.
I really didn't know what to expect when I landed in the Negev many years ago. I had always had a yearning to visit Israel and here I was at last.I have never been particularly religious but as,I stepped off the plane I felt a profound sense of,I'm still not sure how to describe it. Peace? Stillness? Joy? If just being. Wholeness. This was my place.I have never felt this before or since and my only regret is not going back.
My love is with the Jewish people and their beautiful homeland. You will prevail.
I can't wait till I visit Israel this year. The one fear I have is with the heart surgery net week I might miss the opportunity to visit Israel, the Holy Land and all the wonderful people that persevere!
God Bless Israel and all her people!
May your surgery go perfectly and have an incredible trip!
You beautifully expressed what so many of us feel. I also am not Jewish. I don't speak Hebrew. I have never been to the Land, and at my age and income level, there is little probability that I will ever do so.
But, I love what, and who, HaShem loves, and I have a few friends living in Israel. Over the years I have watched children attend school, serve in the IDF, marry, have children of their own. Perhaps I am a goy, a gershom, but I will always hold those whom HaShem cherishes as dear to me!
Likewise.
This essay by Liv Layne and your reply, Steve, totally echoes my heart for Israel and its people - whether they are in Israel itself or in the diaspora. I lived (during my mid-teens until early twenties) in a small town in central New Jersey and visited New York City often. My high school was predominantly Jewish, both in students and faculty. This is where I began to understand and love everything about Israel and the Jewish people.
You might be interested in the article I published today. If so, please like and restack.
You might be interested in the article I published today. If so, please, like and restack.
https://substack.com/@rebeccarbibbs/note/p-187864150?r=5dsiiv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Loved your essay.It says it all better than most of us could express.
You might be interested in the article I published today. If so, please, like and restack.
I’m not Jewish but I know the feeling of belonging somewhere. My roots are Swiss and I feel it there. I’ve been to Israel 2x now and already feel deeply invested in its people, history and culture. My kids love it too. A fabulous oasis in a barren desert. Loved your passion about this amazing country!
How beautiful. Just wonderful to hear your experiences and how you're processing all these experiences both in and outside of Israel. חזק ואמץ. בהצלחה!
Thank you for this beautiful description of Israel. It’s people like you that we need now more than ever. May you be blessed.
This made me cry. Thank you thank you thank you. And right back at you with all that love.
This is me. I am a Maltese 58 year old woman, married to an Italian-Persian doctor, convert to Christianity over 40 years ago. We are both non-Jews, but we both love Israel. I describe myself this way: I am not Jewish by birth but I am Jewish by spirit and a proud Zionist by DNA. Btw I am also learning Hebrew, and I attend Jewish events such as Hannukah and Holocaust Remembrance Memorial on yearly basis.
I am an Irish Christian living in London. Last week I went to a synagogue for HMD and my heart felt at home
Those are great ideas for us non Jews who feel a close and spiritual connection to Israel and the Jewish people.
that is so beautiful. I feel exactly the same way. Thanks for putting it into words. I am Jewish and I'm glad you love Israel as I do.
Thank you for this!
A compelling essay, written from the heart and the senses. Facts and logic don't count in this scenario. No Jewish person could have penned a better piece on loving Israel. Your candour, the essence of your own personal truth, and your courage to share it, shine strong as Jerusalem stone, and I enjoyed so much reading this. Thank you,
THANK YOU for saying everything I feel about Israel - and I AM Jewish. It is the most mystical, magical, beautiful place I have ever been. I didn't leave my heart in San Francisco - cuz it's in Tel Aviv.
God Bless Liv
Love you back. Made me cry. Too old for Aliyah but a team member anyway.
I am Jewish and I live in Israel and I am very grateful for your love and support.